A little extra from Eastlight at Christmas

Hundreds of residents are receiving surprise Christmas gifts from Eastlight Community Homes this Christmas.

Eastlight’s festive support began with a £200 donation to Essex Police’s Community Christmas Giving Tree. The initiative gives vulnerable children donated gifts if their family cannot afford them. Eastlight staff nominated 37 children living in their homes across North Essex and Suffolk to receive gifts.

On Friday 11 December, Eastlight’s Lyn Lucas helped PC James Draper, Braintree Community Safety & Engagement Officer from Essex Police, to pack more than 1,000 presents – many donated by generous members of the public to a donation point at Braintree District Council’s offices.

Eastlight is also donating 48 Christmas hampers with either food for Christmas dinner or treats such as cheese, chocolate and biscuits to residents.

In addition, United in Kind have donated Secret Santa gifts for Eastlight to distribute to their residents who may be feeling isolated during Christmas.

Emma Palmer, Eastlight’s Chief Executive, said: “It’s been a particularly tough year for so many, and we know that some of our residents will be struggling to pay their bills - let alone afford a decent Christmas dinner and gifts for their families. We hope to put a smile on people’s faces with these gifts and donations and ask any residents who are struggling to contact us for support and advice.”

PC James Draper said: “Eastlight were the first to donate this year and started what has been an amazing response from local companies and the public – we now have too many gifts to count! We look forward to working together on more projects that benefit our communities in the future.”

Eastlight residents who would like some support and advice to manage their money, apply for Universal Credit, get online or reduce loneliness can contact Eastlight on 01376 535400, 01206 244 700 or enquiries@eastlighthomes.co.uk  

600 gifts are being delivered to Eastlight residents living in older persons schemes in January to spread a little cheer in the New Year.